Chapel Hill, N.C. ----- The University of North Carolina has named Charlotte, N.C., native Everett Withers as its defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, head coach Butch Davis announced Monday.

Withers comes to North Carolina after serving one season as the University of Minnesota's defensive coordinator in 2007. He replaces Chuck Pagano, who left UNC to become a Baltimore Ravens assistant coach.

"I'm thrilled to add Everett to our staff," said Davis. "He brings a wealth of experience both on the college and professional level and he has a history of developing several outstanding players. I was impressed with his teaching ability and his passion and enthusiasm will benefit our future recruiting efforts. He is a great fit for our staff and our student-athletes."

Withers, 44, spent six seasons with the Tennessee Titans from 2001-06 under head coach Jeff Fisher. From 2002-04, Withers helped the Titans defense tally 57 interceptions, which was the most for the franchise over a three-year period since 1993-95. The 57 interceptions also ranked fourth in the AFC and eighth overall during that time. The Titans totaled 21 picks in 2004, including 16 by the secondary.

In 2002, Withers directed a revamped secondary that added safeties Lance Schulters and rookie Tank Williams. The new arrangement helped the defense earn a top 10 ranking and Schulters' six interceptions were the most by a Titans safety since 1993. Withers also developed Andre Dyson into a starter as a rookie in 2001 and helped him total 16 interceptions during his four-year Titan career, including six his final season.

Prior to working with the Titans, Withers was defensive backs coach under Mack Brown at Texas from 1998-2000, where he guided a Longhorns secondary which ranked 75th in the nation in pass defense in 1997 (132.7 efficiency rating) to first in the nation in 2000 (88.02). Withers is credited with helping a young corps of defensive backs improve in a number of statistical categories.

Withers joined the Longhorns after three seasons (1995-97) as defensive coordinator at Louisville. His 1996 defensive unit ranked fourth nationally in both total defense (235.8) and rushing defense (81.1) and led the NCAA in forced turnovers (41). While at Louisville, Withers helped current New York Giants All-Pro cornerback Sam Madison earn All-America honors for the Cardinals.

Withers' first National Football League experience came with the New Orleans Saints where he worked as defensive quality control in 1994. Prior to his experience with the Saints, Withers was defensive backs coach at Southern Mississippi for two seasons (1992-93) and outside linebackers coach at Tulane in 1991. The first three years of Withers' coaching career came at Austin Peay, where he was defensive coordinator (1988-89) and special teams/wide receivers coach (1990).

Withers earned his bachelor's degree from Appalachian State in 1985. He was also a standout defensive back and captain for the Mountaineers from 1981-85. Withers and his wife, Kara, have two children, Tia and Pierce.